Screenshot of foreign media reports
On December 31, Beijing time, according to Reuters, Rafa Nadal posted a photo of himself in Melbourne Park on social media - which dispelled fears that he might miss the Australian Open next month and confirmed his desire to win a record 21st men's singles Grand Slam.
Earlier this month, Spaniards were found positive for covid-19 after competing in the World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi. At the time, he said he would decide on the schedule of future matches based on how things change in the coming weeks.
"Don't tell anyone... I am here. Nadal wrote on social media, accompanied by a photo of him standing on the Rod Laver pitch.
Nadal posted on social media
Due to a long-term foot injury, the 35-year-old King of Clay truceed for a full 4 months before returning in Abu Dhabi. In the 2021 season, he was out of the semi-finals of the French Open, failing to continue to create roland Garros history, and then forced to withdraw from Wimbledon, Tokyo Olympics and THE US Open due to injury.
With the test-positives for COVID-19, there have been further questions about whether Nadal will win at the Australian Open – where he has previously won 1 title and 4 runners-up.
Nadal will begin preparations for the first Grand Slam event of the new season from tuesday's ATP250 event in Melbourne, his first official tour event since August.
Federer Infographic
At present, Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, Dominique Thiem, Serena Williams and Bianca Andreescu have all withdrawn from the Australian Open due to injury, so Nadal's arrival is undoubtedly an encouragement to the organizers.
When the Spaniards ended speculation about his participation in the Grand Slam, local Australian media reported that Serena Williams would skip the hardcore Grand Slam with her sister Serena Williams Jr.
Dawei Infographic
Seven-time women's singles Grand Slam winner David would have needed a wild card to get into the main tournament, but according to News Corp, she eventually decided not to go to Melbourne.
In addition, ATP's current world number one Novak Djokovic is still unsure whether he will be able to come to Australia to compete, at least so far, he has not been able to leave for the South Pacific.